What is ECMO and Who Needs It

What is ECMO?

When a child is very sick, their heart or lungs might need extra help doing their jobs. ECMO, which stands for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, is a special type of life support that allows the heart and/or lungs time to rest and heal. ECMO works by gently moving your child’s blood through a machine that adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide, just like healthy lungs do, before returning the blood to your child’s body. Depending on your child’s needs, the machine may also assist the heart in pumping blood.

Who needs ECMO?

A child may need ECMO if their lungs can't supply enough oxygen to the body, remove enough carbon dioxide, or if their heart is too weak to pump enough blood. Sometimes children need help with all of these functions. ECMO does not cure your child; it gives their body time to rest and recover.

What will my child look like?

Your child will be cared for in the pediatric intensive care unit by a specialized team. You will see tubes that connect your child to the ECMO machine, along with monitors and equipment that help us keep a close watch on them at all times. Although this can look overwhelming, each piece of equipment has an important role in keeping your child safe and supported. 

While your child is on ECMO, they are often given medication to help them stay comfortable and rest. They may appear very sleepy and less responsive. At other times, your child may be awake, briefly open their eyes, move, or respond to your voice. Your child’s care team closely monitors your child’s breathing, vital signs, and comfort to carefully adjust these medications throughout the hospitalization.